Consumer Standards
Following the Social Housing White Paper, the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 became law in July 2023. This law aims to ensure that people living in social housing are safe, listened to, living in good quality homes and have access to help when things go wrong.
To achieve this, the Act gives the Regulator of Social Housing new powers. Starting from 1 April 2024, the Regulator will inspect social landlords to check if they meet the ‘Consumer Standards.’ The ‘Consumer Standards’ are requirements social landlords need to meet to provide good services to tenants.
The Consumer Standards cover the following areas:
Safety and Quality Standard
- Stock quality
- Decency
- Health and safety
- Repairs, maintenance and planned improvements
- Adaptations
Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard
- Fairness and respect
- Diverse needs
- Engagement with tenants
- Information about landlord services
- Performance information
- Complaints
- Self-referral
Neighbourhood and Community Standard
- Safety of shared spaces
- Local co-operation
- Anti-social behaviour and hate incidents
- Domestic abuse
Tenancy Standard
- Allocations and lettings
- Tenancy sustainment and evictions
- Tenure
- Mutual exchange
Local authorities must also meet the Rent Standard. The Rent Standard sets requirements on how landlords set and increase rent for their homes.
For more information, and to explore the Consumer Standards in more detail, please go to: Regulatory standards for landlords - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)